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I am the only male associate in the apparel department. There was one other but he leveled up, leaving me alone.
I have had to learn somethings since starting in apparel. For example, almost everyone assumes that apparel is the "women's" department. The reason for this is that the fitting rooms are surrounded by the women's underwear and bras, etc. But there is no separate set of fitting rooms for men, it's just these two rooms and the counter. The men's underwear is right across the aisle from the women's underthings, so it's not like this is an exclusive lingerie shop accessible only by a hidden steel door at the end of a dark alley, guarded by a big, surly ex-Greek wrestler named Percopi.
But okay. I've learned not to ask women who are obviously shopping for bras and underwear if I can help them find anything because it makes some of them uncomfortable. (Actually only two women in their sixties on two separate occasions have ever complained about this but for the sake of my job and sanity, I just try to play it safe)
When I am the associate watching the fitting rooms and no one is using them, I use the time to return items to the floor and zone my area. I try to get other things done to that my fellow associates are too lazy or two stupid to see right in front of their faces, but the customer always comes first.
If there are customers shopping in the immediate area, I always let them know that if they need the fitting rooms or anything else, that I will not be far. Most of them genuinely appreciate and have thanked me for my attentiveness.
Yesterday, there was a guy shopping with his family. I asked if I could help them find anything. He said no but they were still in the area shopping for clothes so I just said,
"Okay, well if you need the fitting rooms or anything, I'll be right around the corner."
And no thank you. No acknowledgement of what I said. But the guy just gave me the most hostile look, like I was a Jehova's Witness who leaned into his bedroom window to ask if he had a moment to talk about the good word.
He was in the area for a little while and he gave me that look every time. I was so uncomfortable that when I saw him by the jeans wall, I didn't dare return the jeans I had in a pile behind the counter.
I honestly will never understand some people.
I have had to learn somethings since starting in apparel. For example, almost everyone assumes that apparel is the "women's" department. The reason for this is that the fitting rooms are surrounded by the women's underwear and bras, etc. But there is no separate set of fitting rooms for men, it's just these two rooms and the counter. The men's underwear is right across the aisle from the women's underthings, so it's not like this is an exclusive lingerie shop accessible only by a hidden steel door at the end of a dark alley, guarded by a big, surly ex-Greek wrestler named Percopi.
But okay. I've learned not to ask women who are obviously shopping for bras and underwear if I can help them find anything because it makes some of them uncomfortable. (Actually only two women in their sixties on two separate occasions have ever complained about this but for the sake of my job and sanity, I just try to play it safe)
When I am the associate watching the fitting rooms and no one is using them, I use the time to return items to the floor and zone my area. I try to get other things done to that my fellow associates are too lazy or two stupid to see right in front of their faces, but the customer always comes first.
If there are customers shopping in the immediate area, I always let them know that if they need the fitting rooms or anything else, that I will not be far. Most of them genuinely appreciate and have thanked me for my attentiveness.
Yesterday, there was a guy shopping with his family. I asked if I could help them find anything. He said no but they were still in the area shopping for clothes so I just said,
"Okay, well if you need the fitting rooms or anything, I'll be right around the corner."
And no thank you. No acknowledgement of what I said. But the guy just gave me the most hostile look, like I was a Jehova's Witness who leaned into his bedroom window to ask if he had a moment to talk about the good word.
He was in the area for a little while and he gave me that look every time. I was so uncomfortable that when I saw him by the jeans wall, I didn't dare return the jeans I had in a pile behind the counter.
I honestly will never understand some people.
He is my Black Dragon (and yes, a good one) strong, protective, the guardian. I am his Silver Dragon, always by his side, shining for him, cherishing him.
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